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Establishing late summer forages

An extension agronomist has some tips for establishing late summer forages.

Rebecca Vittetoe with Iowa State University says time is running out to get warm season annuals started.

“They do better with less rain, but we would still want to have rain around seeding to at least get them up and going. I would want to get those seeded for sure within the next week if people haven’t already seeded them just because they are going to grow the most when we have these warmer temperatures.”

She tells Brownfield in dry areas that recently receiving rain, some growers might consider seeding a perennial forage.

“One of the big things when thinking of that late summer seeding (is) it can provide a really good time if we weren’t able to get it done in the spring, but the biggest thing is going to be that we need moisture in order for that to be successful.”

Vittetoe says late summer forages typically need at least six weeks from seeding to the first killing frost to get established, but she adds smooth bromegrass or orchard grass can offer a little more wiggle room.